Overview
- Huthi forces advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and on Friday took the port city of Mokha and then occupied Perim (Mayyun), Zukar and the Hanisch islands, local and international sources report.
- From their new positions inside the narrow Bab al‑Mandab, Huthi commanders can more easily target or threaten ships transiting the Suez‑Red Sea route, a shift that raises shipping risk for Europe and Asia.
- Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes on Huthi positions around Mokha and other targets, and Saudi authorities have also shut down the Ost‑West pipeline after attacks damaged pump stations, further constraining exports.
- Markets reacted quickly: Brent crude rose toward $110 a barrel, and the UN and IOM say recent fighting has forced roughly 46,000 people to flee their homes in the last week.
- The offensive underlines Iran’s backing of the Huthis, has prompted regional diplomatic activity and a US decision not to provide direct military intervention so far, and risks broader escalation that analysts say could prolong trade and energy disruptions.